Spring is in the Air

I think living in a place where we have long, cold and snowy winters, really makes me more appreciative of sunshine and warm(er) temps, especially since it just snowed 2 days ago. I went outside to do my Couch to 5k workout. I am on week 3 day 1 which consisted of run 90 seconds, walk 90 seconds, run 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes for about 20 minutes.

Some muddiness and puddles from the melted snow.

Spring flooding of the River. 

I bundled up a bit, because the temps are just in the mid 40s and it's pretty windy out.  Otherwise, the sun felt amazing and the air smelled like Spring.  The ducks were swimming in the river, the geese were squawking and strutting around, and the robins were flying back and forth. I felt like I was in a Cinderella movie or something and we were seconds away from bursting into song.

Bundled up, but loving the sunshine.

Today was my day off, so I had the whole day to do what ever I felt like.  I slept til 9.  I was in a baking mood and ended up making a brown sugar and cinnamon coffee cake and a loaf of bread.  I also cleaned the house and did wash.  I know, I know. I'm a wild woman!  I also am reading Game of Thrones, the first book.  I am borrowing it from the elibrary and only get it for 7 days. I have only 4 more days and am not even 20% of the way through.  I may have to just buy the book myself.

Do you run outside?  

Have you read the Game of Thrones series?

Change is a Process

I've had a long hiatus from running. Jomo really hasn't been running all that much since the marathon in October.  I didn't realize how much those 26.2 miles took out of me, physically and emotionally.  I was completely empty of any desire to do any activity...unless you count snacking on the couch cardio.

Sometimes

I recently started running again.  I started the Couch to 5k program, because I can't just run for fun.  I have to have a program to follow.  I use the free app right on my phone so I don't even have to think about when to run or walk. The nice lady just tells me, "Run now" or "walk now". I don't even wear my Garmin. I need a break from being obsessed with time. I just want to enjoy being out there again.  I finished week 2 today.

The app I use

I've also been trying different exercises. I've found a love for Zumba. I've always enjoyed it, but there is a class on Tuesday nights that is just SO fun. I rearranged my work schedule just so I could go to it! I can't believe how much I sweat and how many muscles I can feel working!

During my 6 month running hiatus, I have also gained 20 lbs.  It's pretty depressing, but I just kept eating like I was training for a marathon when I was doing little to no activity.  Now I am trying to work it back off.

I did Weight Watchers for 3 months.  I signed up on my birthday, Dec. 30, after wanting to make a change with my eating habits.  There was a 3 month deal for only $18, so I figured why not?

I lost a couple of pounds, but ended up gaining another 5.  I just couldn't get into it again (I had done it years ago and lost 50 lbs).  So, at the end of the 3 months I cancelled it and started using the free program, myfitnesspal, again.  I deleted my old account and made a new one - sort of like a fresh start for myself. I'm jnmolina if you want to "friend" me.  I have managed to lose 5 lbs so far.

Wanting to change and actually doing it is so hard for me. I'm trying not to make too many changes at once so I don't become overwhelmed. I'm also trying not to put too much pressure on myself to work out.  I become sort of obsessed with it.  That's why I'm not bringing my Garmin on runs or even keeping track of my miles so I don't become obsessed with the numbers.  

Change is a process

I'm planning races again too.  I haven't done any in 6 months. I just did a 5k yesterday and walked it with 2 friends. It was pretty fun, even though it started raining down on us right after mile one!  I have a few more I'd like to do: an 80's themed 5k in June, the Iron Girl in August, and a half marathon in September.  It feels good to finally be looking forward to working out again!

What is your favorite form of exercise?  

Sweet Pepper and Barley Soup Recipe

Today, I had a 7 mile run to do.  I was determined to get it done, but I took a while to get going.  I finally hit the pavement at 1:30.  I thought the run would go well...for some reason.  It was a tough one.  It was hotter and more humid than I thought and I was drinking more water than I planned.  I was taking it slow though, with my miles between 12:30 and 13:00.

I did a simple out and back; run 3.5 out turn around and run back.  By mile 4, I took a walk break.  I was so hot and thirsty.  After a couple of minutes, I started running again.  I walked two more times by mile 7.  I had saved about 5 oz of water for after my run.  It was hot, yet delicious.  I need to remember to just keep a couple of dollars in my fuel belt so if this happens again I can just stop somewhere and buy some water!

After that, I ran another 2 miles with my friend Melissa who is starting the Couch to 5k.  I offered to go with her for some support.  It's always easier with a friend!  And we would have to push 2 strollers for her 3 little kiddies.  We ended up only needing one, because the third stayed home with his Grandma to sleep.

I have to say, moms who run with strollers get a lot of respect from me.  I don't think I could do that with one, much less 3 kids to push!

I also made some soup today.  I've had a craving for some lately.  Maybe it's the cooler weather we've been having.

Sweet Pepper and Barley Soup

2 c. chopped sweet peppers
2 c. cauliflower, chopped into pieces
2 c. kale, ripped into smaller pieces
1 c. barley
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic
3 c. vegetable broth
5 c. water
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper

Heat a soup pot over medium heat. Pour in the EVOO.  After about a minute, add the onion and garlic.  Let them cook for about a minute, until softened.  Add the sweet peppers and cover.  Cook for about 3 minutes, or until they've softened up a bit.  Add the cauliflower, barley, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper.  Bring the soup to a bowl.  Then lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes.  Add the kale and simmer for another 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Do you eat soup in the summer?  What's your favorite kind?  

Do you run with a stroller?